RIVER SPEY
CANOE EXPEDITION
by Adventure Solos
OVERVIEW
Most rivers start fast and the flow eases as they approach the sea. The River Spey in Scotland's Cairngorm National Park is different. It starts slow and gently gets faster as other tributaries join it. This makes for a great adventure as it means you can build your skills and confidence a little more gradually, before tackling some rapids along the way.
The 6-day Expedition starts on Loch Insh (near Aviemore) and we journey 70 miles to the sea at Spey Bay. You will pass perfectly manicured lawns of salmon fishing huts, Speyside whisky distilleries (drawn to the area by the quality of the water) and incredible wildlife. There is even the possibility to see seals, bottlenose dolphins and occasionally minke whales at Spey Bay.
There are a couple of things to know about this river expedition:
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We highly recommend you have some paddling experience by joining Canoe Scotland Expedition and/or West Coast Canoe Expedition before hand.
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You should come with the expectation that you will get wet. Most paddlers will capsize their canoe at least once during the week (sometimes more than once). If you're comfortable with that, you might just have found your next adventure!
If you're unsure, or would like to chat to us, please reach out in the usual ways, including WhatsApp.
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
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A fun, sociable, solo-friendly group to adventure with!
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An Adventure Solos host who will be there throughout the event.
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Adventure Solos' detailed pre-adventure guide.
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All canoeing equipment (canoe, paddle, buoyancy aid, helmet, canoe trolley).
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A waterproof barrel each to keep personal gear dry.
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Camping fees.
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Transportation from Spey Bay (end) to Loch Insh (start).
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A bottle of Speyside whisky (or some wine and chocolate!) to share amongst the group after a hard day's paddling.
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New friends; skills, experiences and a sense of achievement!
WHERE IS IT?
We meet at Loch Insh Outdoor Centre, Kincraig, near Aviemore (PH21 1NA). The paddle ends at Spey Bay in Inverness.
We offer guests free transport back to the start after the event.
JOIN THE ADVENTURE
Tickets are available below for £895 per person.
Or to set up a monthly payment plan, click Fund your Adventure.
2025 EVENT
SOLD OUT
Sunday 24th August 2025 at 10am to
midday on Friday 29th August 2025
*Any payment plans must be paid for in full at least 1 month before the start of your chosen event.
FURTHER INFORMATION
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Dearne ValleyThe Dearne Valley, near Sheffield, is an area of South Yorkshire along the River Dearne. It is close to the Peak District and is very accessible, with a dozen cities within a 2-hour drive of the venue. The large grounds are dotted with activities for us to make the most of during the course of the event.
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What's Included?A fun, sociable, solo-friendly group to adventure with! An Adventure Solos host who will be there throughout the event. Adventure Solos' detailed Pre-Adventure Guide. All specialist equipment for activities. 1.5 days' worth of activities with professional instructors. 2 nights' accommodation. 6 meals (2x breakfasts, 2x lunches, 2x evening meals). Any transport at the event.
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Outline ItineraryFriday Arrive in the evening and join us for food, a few welcome drinks and a chat as we get to know each other. If the weather is good, we may sit in the Yurt around a fire - a brilliant way to start the weekend. Saturday After breakfast, we get into the first of several sessions of activities during the day. There are good opportunities to connect with your fellow guests during the activities and whilst reflecting over achievements at lunch and in the evening. Sunday We have more activities in the morning, then enjoy lunch together one last time before hitting the road. The event finishes after lunch on Sunday. You'll leave having met a great bunch of people, having challenged yourself, had a lot of fun and laughed until your belly hurt! Please note that, whilst we intend to provide the activities listed above, occasionally they may be subject to change at short notice due to factors such as weather conditions and the abilities of any particular group.
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AccommodationFor this weekend event, you will be given your own room (with ensuite facilties). Your room will be a larger 'dorm' style room, with bunkbeds, even though it will be for your sole use. We also have some more modern, cosier twin rooms for sole occupancy ('Teachers' Rooms') that also have tea / coffee making facilities. You can book this room upgrade option here). Bedding and a pillow are provided. Please bring a towel with you.
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Transport/Getting thereThe weekend is based at Inspired Learning, Dearne Valley, Denaby Main, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN12 4EA. Train - If you are travelling by train, Conisbrough Station is adjacent to the venue (a one minute walk from the station to the venue). Driving – If you are driving, the postcode is DN12 4EA. Leeds, Sheffield and York are all under 1 hour's drive from the venue. Loughborough, Nottingham, Manchester are all under 90 minutes' drive from the venue. Birmingham, Chester, Liverpool, Newcastle, Preston, Stoke-on-Trent and Warrington are all under 2 hours' drive. Arrival is anytime from 6pm to 9pm (please contact us in advance if you think you will be later). Most people will arrive around 7pm and we'll eat at around 7.30pm.
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Food and DrinkWelcome drinks are provided on Friday evening. Food for six meals is provided, including: Evening meal on Friday Breakfast, lunch and evening meal on Saturday Breakfast and lunch on Sunday. Please let us know when booking if you have any dietary requirements.
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Solo-friendlyGuests book onto Adventure Solos events by themselves, and arrive to enjoy a fun, friendly and social event. The activities over the weekend are a great way to try new things and make new friends. This is also facilitated by an Adventure Solos host who will be present throughout the event and helps to ensure everyone is having a good time.
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EquipmentAny specialist equipment for activities is provided.
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ExperienceYou do not need prior experience for the activities (most people won't have done the activities before and the instructors and guides will help everyone through).